The first-party advantage is real, and it's expensive for mixed-device enterprises.
Apple's AirPods Pro 3 ($249) and Samsung's Galaxy Buds 3 Pro ($250) both launched in late 2025 with similar positioning: premium wireless earbuds that work best inside their respective ecosystems. For technology leaders managing hybrid workforces, the question isn't which is better - it's which lock-in you're willing to accept.
The technical trade-offs
AirPods Pro 3 ship with measurably better active noise cancellation - blocking 90% of external noise versus 76% for Samsung's offering. Battery life favours Apple too: 8-9 hours per charge compared to Samsung's 6-6.5 hours. Both carry IP57 dust and water resistance.
Galaxy Buds 3 Pro counter with Samsung-exclusive features: high-bitrate SSC codec audio, real-time interpreter mode, and custom EQ on Android and Windows devices. Reviews from SoundGuys and RTINGS confirm the technical specs hold up, though most independent testing gives AirPods the edge on overall performance.
The enterprise consideration
The problem surfaces when your workforce uses mixed devices. An iPhone user loses Android-specific features if they choose Galaxy Buds. An Android user gets degraded functionality from AirPods. This isn't just an inconvenience - it's a deployment planning issue.
Notably, both devices now include hearing aid functionality, a compliance consideration for some organisations. AirPods Pro 3 add heart rate tracking; Galaxy Buds 3 Pro offer interpreter mode that could serve global teams.
What this means in practice
The global TWS earbuds market hit $35 billion in 2025 and projects to $100 billion by 2030. Enterprise audio is part of that growth, particularly as hybrid work persists.
ZDNet claims Galaxy Buds 3 Pro "wins," but most testing suggests device ecosystem decides the victor. If your organisation standardised on iPhones, buy AirPods. If you're Samsung-heavy, buy Galaxy Buds. If you're mixed? That's the harder conversation.
History suggests these ecosystem walls only get higher. The technical differences matter less than the integration penalties you're willing to accept.